Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route

Through the land of the masks and the medieval bridges

Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route

A route rich in ethnographic interest leading to Ousilhão, the land of the Trás-os-Montes masks, which combines the Prada Dam and the River Tuela, medieval bridges and oak and chestnut woodlands with the remains of a pre--Roman hill fort on Monte de Santa Comba. Suitable for gravel bikes.

Activity
BTT
Distance
47,0 km
Elevation gain
1577 m
Elevation loss
1573 m
Altitude
427–1012 m
Estimated time
4h
Technical difficulty
Hard (red)
Route type
Loop
Best season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Waymarked
Yes
Code
BTT04

Centre: Vinhais

The Rota das Máscaras de Ousilhão e Vila Boa is among the richest in tradition in the project, without giving up the scenery: it combines the most authentic of Montesinho with some of its most striking images. Living tradition. The name comes from Ousilhão, land of the masks, one of the most genuine festivals of Trás-os-Montes — the winter ritual of the Feast of Saint Stephen, on 25 and 26 December. Of ancestral origin, tied to farming cults and rites of passage, it fills the village with masked figures — costumes of red, yellow and green fringes, masks of wood, cork or metal and cowbells at the waist. The masks are made by local artisans and are still crafted and sold in the village today. Outside the festival season, the paintings remain in a shelter at the village edge, by the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria. Water and ancient paths. The first part, deep in the Natural Park, reaches the Prada dam and drops to the Rio Tuela, crossing stretches of the Camino de Santiago, the river beach and medieval bridges — details that lend the route a rustic charm, always among oak and chestnut woods. Ancient memory. On the return, the route skirts the Monte de Santa Comba, where remains of a pre-Roman hillfort survive and a panorama opens. Before Nunes, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios marks the region's strong devotion. From the Ponte D'Arranca, a popular river beach, the final climb to Vinhais begins.

Download the track: GPX · KML

Quick answers

How long is the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route and how much climbing does it have?

47.0 km, with 1577 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

How long does the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route take?

About 4h (estimated time).

Is the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is hard (red). Physical effort: 4 out of 5.

When is the best time to ride or walk the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

Where does the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route start?

You can start at: Parque Biológico de Vinhais, Vinhais.

Is the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

Where can I download the GPX for the Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-das-mascaras-de-ousilhao-e-vila-boa/export-gpx.

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